Lotic Scene Investigation™ (LSI)
Program for Higher Education: Combining Intensive Student Training With Professional Stream Biomonitoring Assessments

Matt Lajoie, LSI Instructor, assists LSI student Maya S. with removing insect larvae from a sample collected from the Black Creek in Washington County, NY. The community structure and diversity of insects collected provides information on the type and the degree of the biological effects that human impacts may have on the river.

Lotic (adjective): Of or relating to or living in actively moving water.

LSI is the systematic approach to evaluating biological effects of human impacts on a freshwater stream environment, with the intention of using the scientific data to assess environmental quality.

The course is designed for science majors who have a strong interest in freshwater aquatic science, environmental science, and ecology. The course consists of three modules that promote conceptual thinking, decision-making and practical skills: lecture, field and indoor lab work, and residential field station experience. The course requires at least 72 working hours, most of which occurs during residencies a biological field research station.

LSI will provide the student with:

• Basic instruction in stream and river ecology, the ecology of benthic invertebrates, and the practice of systematic benthic taxonomy.
• Advanced instruction in lotic (freshwater stream environment) biological monitoring methods and analysis, methods for performing an effective field study, and experience in applied research and residential fieldwork.
• An overview of current issues in water quality and applied methods of assessment.

LSI participants work on identification of insects collected during module 1. Module 1 provides both class room, lab, and filed work on the methods involved in conducting an Investigation

Module locations and course agenda:

The facility hosting modules 1 and 3 is Black Rock Forest, Orange County, NY a residential biological field research station.

Module 1
The student attends a 3-day introduction program on Lotic Scene Investigation (stream monitoring workshop) at Black Rock Forest June 25 - 27, 2008. The program consists of classroom instruction prior to fieldwork performing an LSI.

Module 2
A one-day field excursion is scheduled with the instructor during July/August to collect samples (at 4 or more predetermined sites). The student conducts his/her own LSI survey of the site with assistance, if needed, from the instructor, while the instructor completes his own survey.

Module 3
The student attends a 5-day residential benthic macroinvertebrate workshop at Black Rock Forest August 11 - 15, 2008. The workshop includes instruction on aquatic macroinvertebrate anatomy and ecology and lab work utilizing dissecting microscopes and aquatic keys to properly identify organisms to family and genera. The student will work on accurately identifying macroinvertebrates collected during module two. Data can be used to write a report, depending on the student's program requirements.

Undergraduate and graduate credits may be available.

Read LSI student comments from 2007 click here.

Cost: $1,950.00 includes tuition, food, lodging, and all the necessary equipment to conduct a complete Lotic Scene Investigation.

The program is limited to 10 students and there is a limited number of scholarships available.

The application deadline is May 31, 2008. Announcement of recipients and awards will occur by June 7, 2008. You may download the Application form.

For more information about the LSI program e-mail Kelly, LSI Coordinator or phone 518.339.1758.

A program of Watershed Assessment Associates sponsored by Hudson Basin River Watch.